Where do you recycle the old light bulbs after replacing them with the newer, squiggly “energy saver” ones?

Light bulbs fall under the category of Universal Waste or U-Waste, according to the Web site www.naparecycling.com, the Napa Recycling and Waste Services site mentioned in a previous GYA column. Perhaps some of you readers remember that column. Or maybe not. Who knows how loyal you are to my musings? Anyway, the site states other items that fall under said category include batteries, items that contain mercury such as thermostats and thermometers, clothes irons, blood pressure gauges and electronic devices with digital components. Here’s a surprising one: Did you know those “talking” greeting cards contain mercury? Huh, you really do learn something new every day.

U-Waste should not be disposed of along with your regular trash for the hazard it poses on the environment. The toxicity of these items can be released into the air we breathe, the water we drink and the foods we eat. Naparecycling.com states that the mercury from one (read it: one) fluorescent bulb can ruin 6,000 gallons of drinking water. Yikes!

Fortunately, you have several facilities at your disposal (pun intended) to rid yourself of light bulbs and other types of U-Waste.

• Napa-Vallejo Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, 889A Devlin Road, American Canyon, 1-800-984-9661.

• Napa Recycling & Composting Facility, 820 Levitin Way, American Canyon, 255-5200.

• Clover Flat Landfill, 4380 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, 963-7988.

• Home Depot, 225 Soscol Ave., Napa, 251-0162.

• Central Valley Builders Supply, 1790 Soscol Ave., Napa, 257-8888.

• City of American Canyon Mercury Elimination Program, 205 Wetlands Edge Road, American Canyon, 647-4550.

• FRG Waste Resources, Inc., 100 Dodd Court, American Canyon, 1-877-374-9278.

Please call these facilities ahead of time to learn their days and hours of operation; to learn which types of items are acceptable (not all facilities accept all U-Waste items) and to learn whether they accept residential and/or commercial items.

This is definitely unsolicited advice on removing broken light bulbs but it keeps running through my mind and so, hopefully, someone will find it helpful. First and foremost, be extremely careful by ensuring the power is off so as not to electrocute yourself, and by wearing gloves to protect your hands. Do not stand directly under the spot where the bulb once was. If you have protective eye gear, use it. Most accidents do occur in the home, after all. Though I haven’t had to remove a light bulb lately — that’s what my husband’s for — I’ve read that you can use a potato to extract the remnants of a broken bulb. Cut a potato in half, then wedge it against the socket, allowing those little pieces to adhere to the potato, and twist gently. This should allow the remnants to come off without having to use your bare hands.

Lights out!

What is Glad You Asked?

Glad You Asked attempts to answer readers’ questions. Need to shed some light on your curiosity? Send your questions to dmontanez@napanews.com or call me at 256-2224.